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Phra Pradaeng Songkran 2026: Dates, Event Schedule, Parade, and Water Play Spots

Life22 Mar 2026 17:28 GMT+7

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Phra Pradaeng Songkran 2026: Dates, Event Schedule, Parade, and Water Play Spots

Updated details for Phra Pradaeng Songkran 2026, held from 24 to 26 April 2026 at the Phra Pradaeng District Office in Samut Prakan Province. Check the schedule for the Nang Songkran parade, Mon Sabaa traditional play, and how to get there for water festivities.

Get ready for Thailand’s grandest year-end water festival, "Phra Pradaeng Songkran 2026," also known as Pak Lat Songkran. This year’s official event runs from 24 to 26 April 2026, inviting tourists to experience the beauty of the Nang Songkran parade in the unique style of the Thai-Ramayana community, along with updated highlights and complete travel guidance in one place.

When is Phra Pradaeng Songkran 2026?

The traditional Phra Pradaeng Songkran festival in Samut Prakan Province will be grandly held over three full days, from 24 to 26 April 2026, at the Phra Pradaeng District Office area and surrounding municipal zones. This period is when the Thai-Ramayana descendants unite to preserve their long-standing customs.

Event schedule and highlight activities

The three-day festivities feature rare Mon-Pak Lat culture, including:

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  • Nang Songkran parade: A beautifully decorated floral float procession accompanied by beauties dressed in traditional Thai-Ramayana costumes, carrying fish and birds for ceremonial release.
  • Bird and fish releasing ceremony: Practiced by the Mon community at Wat Prot Ket Chedi Tharam to bring good fortune and show compassion for all creatures.
  • Mon Sabaa play: Witness the courtship rituals of young Ramayana men and women at "Sabaa ponds" organized in various local villages.
  • Mon Tha-ye performance: A distinctive folk singing and dancing art unique to the Mon people of Pak Lat.

The history and charm of "Pak Lat Songkran"

Phra Pradaeng Songkran, originally called “Pak Lat Songkran,” is a more than 180-year-old Songkran tradition of the Thai-Mon (Thai-Ramayana) community. It is held about one week later than the usual Songkran, following a local traditional calendar. The festival strictly preserves Mon identity through attire with traditional shawls, preparation of original rice in iced water dishes, and stirring of "Kalamae"—a local delicacy often served to guests during the merit-making events.

How to get to Phra Pradaeng Songkran 2026

Since roads will be closed and traffic congested—especially on 26 April—planning your trip in advance is essential.

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1. Public transportation

  • Bus: Routes passing near the event include lines 82 (Phra Pradaeng–Sanam Luang), 138 (Phra Pradaeng–Mo Chit 2), 506 (Pak Kret–Phra Pradaeng), and 6 (Phra Pradaeng–Bang Lamphu).
  • BTS Skytrain: Get off at Samrong Station, then take a songthaew or van marked "Phra Pradaeng Pier."

2. Ferry crossing

The most popular method to avoid traffic jams is the ferry crossing the Chao Phraya River to Phra Pradaeng side.

  • Pu Chao Saming Phrai Pier (Samut Prakan side): Take the ferry to Pettra Pier or Phra Pradaeng Pier.
  • Bang Na Pier: Also offers ferry services to Phra Pradaeng side.

3. Private car and parking spots

If driving, it’s recommended to set your destination to "Phra Pradaeng District Office." However, parking near the event is limited. Alternative parking areas are provided nearby, as announced by the Phra Pradaeng Police Station, including:

  • Phra Pradaeng Arcade area
  • Private parking lots on the outskirts, then take a motorcycle taxi to the event.

Important notes and road closures

On 26 April 2026, the "Wan Lai" day of Phra Pradaeng, Suk Sawat Road and surrounding roads near Phra Pradaeng Market will be closed from the afternoon for the parade. Visitors are advised to allow at least 1-2 extra hours for travel and to prepare waterproof phone pouches.